The Hunters Specialties HSWCC70147 Squeeze Me Elk Call Black Rubber Made a Bold First Impression
My pursuit of the perfect elk call has been a journey marked by diaphragm calls that tickled my gag reflex, reed calls that froze solid in the late season, and even electronic calls that felt…dishonest. That’s why the Hunters Specialties HSWCC70147 Squeeze Me Elk Call Black Rubber piqued my interest: its simplicity promised an alternative to the complexities of other calls. Could this unassuming rubber bulb truly replicate the alluring sounds of a cow elk in heat?
My need was simple: a reliable, easy-to-use call that could consistently produce realistic elk vocalizations, especially during the frenzied rut. I’d grown tired of the inconsistent results and steep learning curves associated with more traditional elk calls.
Unboxing the Hunters Specialties Squeeze Me Elk Call, I was struck by its minimalist design. The black rubber felt durable and grippy, and the call itself was surprisingly lightweight. Its hand-sized form factor suggested portability and ease of use.
I considered the Primos Hyper Lip Single and the Rocky Mountain Hunting Calls Bully Bull Extreme before settling on the Hunters Specialties Squeeze Me. I chose the Squeeze Me for its promise of simplicity and its unique approach to sound creation, hoping to avoid the complexities and maintenance issues often associated with reed and diaphragm calls. My first impression was a mix of intrigue and skepticism; could something so simple really be effective? I was eager to find out.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hunters Specialties HSWCC70147 Squeeze Me Elk Call Black Rubber to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Hunters Specialties Squeeze Me Elk Call was in the rugged backcountry of the Colorado Rockies, during the peak of the elk rut. The conditions were challenging, with fluctuating temperatures and occasional light rain.
Using the call was surprisingly intuitive: a simple squeeze produced a variety of cow elk sounds. It didn’t take long to get the hang of it.
The call performed admirably in the mixed conditions. The rubber construction provided a secure grip even when wet. However, I noticed that the sound quality slightly diminished in the colder temperatures, perhaps due to the rubber stiffening.
The only initial issue was controlling the volume; it took some practice to produce softer, more subtle calls without accidentally blasting out a loud, unnatural sound.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, the Hunters Specialties Squeeze Me Elk Call has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of cracking or deterioration in the rubber.
The call has proven to be remarkably durable, withstanding the rigors of backcountry hunting without any noticeable wear and tear. The simple design means there are no delicate reeds or moving parts to break.
Maintenance is incredibly easy; a quick rinse with water after each hunt is all it takes to keep the call in good working order. Compared to the constant cleaning and tuning required for some reed calls, the Squeeze Me is a welcome relief.
My previous experiences with other elk calls often involved frustration and inconsistent results. The Hunters Specialties Squeeze Me has been a refreshing change, providing consistent and reliable performance throughout the season. It has exceeded my expectations in terms of ease of use and durability.
Breaking Down the Features of Hunters Specialties HSWCC70147 Squeeze Me Elk Call Black Rubber
Specifications
The Hunters Specialties HSWCC70147 Squeeze Me Elk Call Black Rubber features a simple yet effective design. It consists of a hand-sized, pliable black rubber bulb.
Its dimensions are approximately 4 inches in length and 2 inches in diameter. The key specification is its adjustability, achieved by moving a small bulb in and out from the body of the call to manipulate the tone. This adjustability allows for a range of elk vocalizations.
This matters because it enables hunters to mimic different elk sounds to attract bulls. The compact size and lightweight design enhance portability and ease of use in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Hunters Specialties Squeeze Me Elk Call performs its primary function—imitating elk vocalizations—remarkably well for such a simple device. The ability to produce convincing cow calls, calf sounds, small bull chuckles, and young bull barks makes it a versatile tool.
Its greatest strength lies in its ease of use: even novice elk hunters can quickly learn to produce convincing sounds. The primary weakness is the limited range of tones and volumes compared to more complex calls, making subtle nuances challenging to achieve. It meets expectations for simplicity and ease of use but falls slightly short in terms of sonic complexity.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is robust, with the durable black rubber providing a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions. Its lightweight and compact size make it easy to carry in a pocket or pack.
The Squeeze Me is extremely user-friendly. There’s virtually no learning curve involved; simply squeeze and adjust the bulb to achieve different sounds.
Durability & Maintenance
The robust rubber construction suggests that this call will last for many seasons of hard use. The lack of delicate reeds or moving parts minimizes the risk of breakage.
Maintaining the Squeeze Me is incredibly simple: a quick rinse with water is usually sufficient. The durable rubber is resistant to cracking and deterioration.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hunters Specialties HSWCC70147 Squeeze Me Elk Call Black Rubber comes with no additional accessories. However, the simple design means there are limited customization options.
It is not readily compatible with accessories from other brands. The Squeeze Me is designed to be used as-is, focusing on simplicity and ease of use.
Pros and Cons of Hunters Specialties HSWCC70147 Squeeze Me Elk Call Black Rubber
Pros
- Extremely easy to use, even for beginners.
- Durable rubber construction for long-lasting performance.
- Versatile, producing a range of cow and calf sounds, plus small bull chuckles.
- Lightweight and compact for easy carry.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Limited range of tones and volumes compared to more complex calls.
- Sound quality can be affected by cold temperatures.
- Lacks the sonic complexity for advanced calling strategies.
Who Should Buy Hunters Specialties HSWCC70147 Squeeze Me Elk Call Black Rubber?
The Hunters Specialties HSWCC70147 Squeeze Me Elk Call Black Rubber is perfect for beginner elk hunters looking for a simple, reliable, and easy-to-use call. It is also ideal for experienced hunters who want a lightweight and durable backup call.
Hunters seeking advanced calling strategies and nuanced vocalizations should skip this product. Those looking for highly customizable calls with a wider range of tones and volumes may find the Squeeze Me too limiting.
A lanyard for easy access is a must-have accessory for keeping the call readily available in the field. No other modifications are necessary.
Conclusion on Hunters Specialties HSWCC70147 Squeeze Me Elk Call Black Rubber
The Hunters Specialties HSWCC70147 Squeeze Me Elk Call Black Rubber offers a compelling combination of simplicity, durability, and affordability. It is an excellent choice for novice elk hunters and a reliable backup option for seasoned pros.
The price is certainly justified, considering its ease of use and durability. The Squeeze Me delivers on its promise of providing a simple and effective way to imitate elk vocalizations.
I would personally recommend the Hunters Specialties Squeeze Me Elk Call to anyone looking for a no-fuss, reliable elk call that won’t break the bank. Pick one up, head into the mountains, and start squeezing your way to elk hunting success!